On 100th Anniversary, Great Synagogue of Kazan Rededicated

Israeli participants at this week’s Limmud FSU Volga-Urals Festival joined with the local community in the rededication of the 100 year-old Great Synagogue of Kazan. Also present, the President of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov; Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar and Grand Mufti of Tatarstan Kamil Semigullin.

Kazan synagogue rededication

(l-r): Founder of Limmud FSU Chaim Chesler; Chief Rabbi of Tatarstan Rabbi Yitzhak Gorelik; President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov; Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar; and Grand Mufti of Tatarstan Kamil Semigullin; photo courtesy Limmud FSU.
(l-r): Founder of Limmud FSU Chaim Chesler; Chief Rabbi of Tatarstan Rabbi Yitzhak Gorelik; President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov; Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar; and Grand Mufti of Tatarstan Kamil Semigullin; photo courtesy Limmud FSU.

Following the mezzuzah ceremony, in the street outside the synagogue, the Kazan Festival of Jewish Music took place. The multi-day Festival was jointly organized by the Jewish community and the government of Tatarstan and included Limmud FSU guests Hanan Yovel and the Alma Group, presenting the songs of the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, to mark 90 years since his birth.

Kazan Music Festival 1

Kazan Music Festival 2

Kazan Music Festival 3

Kazan Music Festival girls